Who painted St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called)?

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called) was painted by Georg Gsell in 1729.

Where can I see St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called)?

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called) is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called)?

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called)

Georg Gsell , 1729

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Georg Gsell. It dates from 1729 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1729, this oil painting presents the apostle Andrew, traditionally known as the first-called disciple.

About this work

Overview

St Andrew the Apostle (the First-Called) is a religious painting executed in oil paint on canvas by the artist Georg Gsell in 1729. Created in Russia, the work is classified within the genre of religious art and depicts the apostle Andrew. The painting is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The Roman prefect Aegeates ordered his crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, intending to prolong his suffering and undo his preaching.

The painting portrays Andrew, known as the First-Called because he was the first apostle summoned by Jesus Christ. A fisherman from Bethsaida and the brother of the Apostle Peter, Andrew brought Peter to follow Christ. After Pentecost, Andrew preached across vast regions including Byzantium, Thrace, the Peloponnese, Georgia, and the Rus' lands, where he planted a cross on the hills of Kiev and prophesied a bright Christian future for the region. He was martyred in the city of Patras in Achaea. The Roman prefect Aegeates ordered his crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, intending to prolong his suffering and undo his preaching. Bound rather than nailed to the cross, Andrew continued to teach for two days until a divine light illuminated him as he died. The X-shaped cross in the painting directly references this martyrdom, serving as the primary identifying attribute of the saint, who is recognized as the patron of several countries, including Romania and Scotland.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in Russia in 1729. Details regarding its original commission and early ownership chain are not established in the available sources. The work is currently housed in the Hermitage Museum, where it remains as part of the institution's collection. The painting has been observed on a metal rack or storage system, indicating its status within the museum's storage or conservation facilities rather than active public display.